John Larson: “I rise to speak of the inspiration and strength of Ray and Leesa Philippon and their family in confronting the ultimate…”

“I rise to speak of the inspiration and strength of Ray and Leesa Philippon and their family in confronting the ultimate sacrifice, the loss of their son Lance Corporal Lawrence R. Philippon, who on Mother's Day, May 8, tragically lost his life while serving his country in Iraq. In 2002 Lance Corporal Philippon answered his country's call to service and joined the United States Marine Corps. Again stepping forward for his country, Lance Corporal Philippon came up and gave up his position with the Washington, D.C. Color Guard to become an infantryman with the 3rd Battalion Second Marines deployed to Al Qaim, Iraq. In the eulogy, Ray Philippon spoke of his son's courage, his ability to overcome life's obstacles, his Forrest Gump-like philosophical manner in dealing with life. He was proud of his family, his fidelity to the Marine Corps, his commanders, his President. He was 22 years old. Ray Philippon; his daughter, Emilee; and Olivia Lawrence, Larry's fiancee, spoke eloquently and emotionally. How this father, a veteran himself, found the strength and composure to deliver a compelling, humorous, and heartfelt tribute to his son is among the remarkable traits of the human character. He transcended his pain and heartache and credited his strength as coming from his son. He capped his comments with a final salute to his son that left no dry eye in the church.…”